'The Report of My Death' to Run 19-20 at Brecht Forum

Ron Crawford stars as the departed Samuel L. Clemens in One Armed Man's special preview production of Adam Klasfeld's docudrama The Report of My Death at the Brecht Forum (451 West Street between Bank & Bethune) on September 19 and 20 at 8pm.

Mark Twain said that people cannot be completely honest until after they're dead, and this play takes him at his word -- with the deceased great writer saying anything he wants.

Featuring rare, previously censored and posthumously published Twain letters, stories, and historical artifacts, this one-man docudrama follows Clemens from his bankruptcy through his worldwide lecture tour, personal tragedies, unlikely recovery, and his fiery opposition to the Philippine-American War. This preview production introduces audiences the "other" Sam Clemens - American radical and dark prophet.

Actor Ron Crawford appeared in Steppenwolf's Tony Award-winning production of The Grapes of Wrath on Broadway, in Chicago, and in London. He has starred (along with Mia Farrow) in Luc Besson's animated feature Arthur and the Invisibles, as well as two sequels to be released in 2009-2010. Regional theater roles include A Raisin in the Sun, Valley Song, The Night of the Iguana, Molly Sweeney, Ragtime, and Of Mice and Men. He appeared on television on Another World, Law & Order, and as a special guest artist on Spin City and Ed. He has performed his one-man show Adventures of Mark Twain across the country.

Playwright and director Adam Klasfeld's docudrama The Report of My Death has scheduled performances in New York, New Jersey, Alaska and New Mexico. His tragicomedy Good Fences Make Good Neighbors received a chashama AREA Award for its developmental workshop and premiered at the 2005 New York International Fringe Festival. The Prostitute of Reverie Valley premiered at FringeNYC 2006, and was developed at the Last Frontier Theatre Conference in Valdez, Alaska. His first full-length play, Europa's Child, was part of Amphibian Productions' 2004 New Play Reading Series. He is the artistic director of One Armed Man. In addition to his theatre work, he is a journalist and screenwriter.

The Brecht Forum is a place for people who are working for social justice, equality and a new culture that puts human needs first. Through its programs and events, the Brecht Forum brings people together across social and cultural boundaries and artistic and academic disciplines to promote critical analysis, creative thinking, collaborative projects and networking in an independent community-level environment.

Tickets range from $10.00 to $25.00 on a sliding scale. Call (212) 242-4201 to purchase tickets, visit www.brechtforum.org to purchase online or go to www.onearmedman.org for more information.

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